Crescent jointer restoration #1: getting started

Well, I have decided to restore my Crescent 8” jointer. I was going to sell it and make a swap for an Oliver 8” but figured it would be an even swap. If I am gonna sell it, it will be for an upgrade and I don’t have the room for a 12” at this time.

The jointer is in decent shape given its age, its about 90 yrs old. I was starting to have a few issues with it so its time. It is a belt driven machine powered with a really nice 2hp replusion start Fairbanks Morse motor. The belts were beginning to come apart so they needed replacement. They are covered with a home made cover that was really well done, and a PITA to get off. The cutter head bearings were also starting to make a little noise so I knew it was time for those to go as well.

For those who don’t remember, here is what I am starting with

During dis-assembly I noticed a lot more rust than originally thought. Albeit surface rust it needs to go. After about 45 minutes here is where we are

I have also spent some time working on the main casting as the smaller parts take their turn in the spooge tank. One of the things that I did not like about the casting was the Crescent lettering. I figured it was a bad casting job as the lettering was almost unreadable. I used a knotted wire wheel on a 4” grinder and removed all the loose paint. Back when the machine was built they used a black filler, similar to bondo, to fill casting imperfections. It is really nasty and difficult to remove. I decided not to remove all the filler if it was still well adheared. I did find that the lettering full of this filler and after an hour or so with a razor blade, dental pick and air driven wire brush this is where I am.

I have also spent 2 days with bondo getting the casting smoothed out. Pics to come soon

-- My job is to give my kids things to discuss with their therapist....medic20447@gmail.com

3 comments so far

Good luck, I’m sure this things going to be nice when you’re all done with it. Thanks for sharing, I’m looking forward to following along with this monster restoration. That lettering looks really good.

-- Aaron - central California "If you haven't got the time to do it right, when will you find the time to do it over?"